Is it possible to see the apex seals through the spark plug holes? When I look all that I can see is a small hole a little less than 1/4 inch in diameter. The engine is in my 1991 N/A.

I am trying to determine if the front rotor has thrown a seal. The compression test showed 1 strong pulse, a second very weak pulse and no third.

I was hoping to determine the next step in getting my Rex back on the road. I figured if the seal was still in place, maybe some very strong combustion chamber cleaner might free up the apex seal if it was in place but 'stuck' in it's groove. (you know like a stuck piston ring)

Thanks

 

Well according to your test, you have a bad/stuck seal. You can look at it if you remove the exhaust manifold and use a flashlight and a mirror. Good luck man

 

Didn't think of that vantage point, is this the easiest (best) place to look while the engine is still in the car?

 

You can see them through the plug holes...though it may not tell you a whole lot. Mirror and flashlight are all that's needed. Most of the seal could be there while one of the other pieces has left the building. Could have side seal problems as well. The only thing seeing it will do is confirm what the compression gauge has told you. "Time for a rebuild".

Chris

 

This problem 'popped up' during a trip to the body shop, they may or may not have caused the problem. I am trying to determine if there was a apex seal failure.

This is how it all started:
https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...hreadid=115795

 

well at least the exhaust on a na would be easer to look through than a tII